Webvan Firm Analysis

Introduction Webvan is an online firm that deals with packaging, selling, and delivery of grocery products. The firm was established in 1996 under the leadership of Louis Borders. Borders’ vision was to establish a customer-focused grocery firm. The firm’s objective was to increase its customer base by nurturing a high level of customer satisfaction (McAfee and Ashiya 1).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Webvan Firm Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One of the ways through which the firm intended to achieve this goal entailed simplifying the consumers’ purchasing process. The firm intended to achieve a high level of effectiveness and efficiency in its operations. For example, Webvan ensured that orders were delivered within thirty minutes. Its efficiency regarding product delivery was facilitated by the fact that the firm established a number of distribution centres. Problem identific ation In a bid to achieve its vision, Webvan adopted the concept of online marketing. Webvan intended to exploit the niche market that is arising from the growth in the Internet and the high rate at which consumers are purchasing products online. The firm invested heavily in infrastructure, but it did not focus on marketing, which led to low sales. Consequently, the firm’s online model was adversely affected. This paper evaluates the problems faced by Webvan coupled with how they can be resolved in order to reposition the firm as a strong online company. Inherent complexities in Webvan’s business model Despite Webvan’s goals to attain an optimal market position in the e-groceries market, the firm faced a number of fundamental challenges. One of the major complexities faced by the firm relates to the fact that it did not understand how the groceries value chain operates. Therefore, the firm invested in a system that it had not tested (McAfee and Ashiya 3). Second ly, the firm also faced a major challenge in motivating consumers to adopt online shopping in their purchasing processes. During its inception, most consumers were only acquainted with purchasing groceries from convenient stores. By visiting the stores, consumers were in a position to access price discount in addition to gaining a unique experience during the purchasing process. Moreover, most consumers attached little economic value to the amount of time spent when shopping in the supermarket, which means that a significant proportion of consumers did not value convenience. Consequently, online shopping was a rather new concept to most consumers. Therefore, changing the consumers’ behaviour is one of the uphill battles faced by the firm.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Webvan intended to deliver a wide range of perishable and non-perishable products to customers thr ough its online model. However, the 30 minutes duration within which the firm intended to achieve this objective was relatively short. Moreover, this model was untested with regard to delivery of perishable products. Therefore, the likelihood of the model failing was relatively high. Dealing with grocery products was another major challenge that the firm faced, as such products were characterised by low profit margins of 1% to 5%. The firm also faced a major challenge with regard to sustaining its wide product range and meeting the temperature requirements in to preserve the products (McAfee and Ashiya 7). Technological discontinuities and behaviour changes necessary to implement Webvan’s business model Webvan’s failure arose from its inability to understand how it would successfully integrate online shopping technology to groceries. Despite its failure, Webvan can attain an optimal market position by improving its online shopping model. In order to achieve this goal, the firm should focus on a number of technological discontinuities. Technological discontinuities refer to the changes that the firm will be required to implement in order to maximise its sales revenue. Considering the volatile nature of the IT industry, it is imperative for Webvan to develop a well-structured framework to implement the technological changes. First, the firm should align its operations with market changes by identifying the possible technological discontinuities and market needs that might affect its ability to maximise online sales. In a bid to identify the technological discontinuities successfully, Webvan should take into account the customers’ future needs and the prevailing technological trends. This move will minimise the likelihood of the implemented ICT technology from becoming obsolete. The firm should also assess potential substitute technologies that can be incorporated and compare with the technology that has already been integrated (McAfee and As hiya 9). It is also imperative for Webvan to engage in a comprehensive marketing campaign. The campaign should focus at creating awareness on the benefits associated with online shopping. The firm should conduct its market awareness campaign on both traditional and emerging mediums, which will play a critical role in the firm’s effort to attract its customer base and hence its sales revenue.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Webvan Firm Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some of the aspects that the firm should focus on relates to the economic benefits of online shopping. For example, online shopping saves on cost, as the consumer does not incur additional cost in their purchasing process due to transport. Moreover, online shopping is more convenient with regard to time, as it eliminates the amount of time that the customer may be required to queue. Target market Webvan targeted three main customer groups, which include the new technologists, price insensitive consumers, and time conscious consumers. Before adopting the online shopping model, Webvan conducted a comprehensive market research. From the market research, the firm identified a customer group that values their time. These customers include senior citizens, mothers with young children, upscale employees, students, and physically challenged customers. Some of these customers such as students, senior citizens, and upscale employees attach high value to the convenience associated with online shopping. Consequently, they prefer shopping perishable and non-perishable products online rather than visiting supermarkets. Challenges associated with Webvan physical plant infrastructure In an effort to exploit the online market, Webvan invested in a high capital and technology intensive project. The project entailed constructing a number of distribution centres in different parts of the US. The distribution centres were fitted w ith optimal warehousing and order management technologies (McAfee and Ashiya 11). Despite its commitment in implementing the online shopping technology, Webvan experienced a major challenge with regard to meeting the cost of the high-tech warehouse. For example, the firm incurred $40 million in constructing the distribution centres in Atlanta. The firm experienced a major challenge in sustaining the operations of the high-tech warehouses considering the fact that its grocery sales were relatively low. The high cost of operation forced the firm to implement the downsizing strategy. For example, in 2001, the firm retrenched 2000 employees. Most investors in Webvan lost the amount they had invested. Moreover, the firm was forced to apply for bankruptcy protection. Conclusion The case study shows that Webvan faced numerous challenges that hindered its success in the online shopping market segment. First, the firm did not conduct a comprehensive consumer market research in order to deter mine the consumers purchasing patterns. Consequently, its online shopping model relied on assumption rather than market facts.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, the firm assumed that the prevailing market size in the US would translate into sales, which motivated the firm to engage in an aggressive market expansion. The firm also incurred high cost in maintaining the distribution centres it had established in the US market. Moreover, Webvan’s management team assumed that the frequency of online purchases would enable the firm to maximise its sales. However, most consumers who purchased through the firm’s online shopping system did not engage in repeat purchase behaviour. Therefore, the firm was not in a position to develop and maintain a strong customer base. The firm also experienced a challenge due to technological discontinuities. Recommendation Despite the above failures, Webvan can improve its online business model and hence its performance. In order to achieve this goal, the firm should consider the following. Webvan should conduct a comprehensive consumer market research. The research will give the firmâ⠂¬â„¢s management insight with regard to the consumers’ purchasing behaviour. For example, the firm will be in a position to identify the products that consumers purchase online rather than selling all its products through the online business model. The firm should continually invest in research and development with regard to ICT, which will improve the firm’s competitiveness within the online market segment. The firm should also evaluate its target market in order to identify changes in consumers’ purchasing patterns, and thus the firm will improve its online shopping technologies to be aligned with the prevailing market trend. Works Cited McAfee, Andrew, and Mona Ashiya. â€Å"Webvan.† Harvard Business Review, 25 Sept. 2001: 1-28. Print. This report on Webvan Firm Analysis was written and submitted by user Marisa Tillman to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Nora And Torvalds Deception essays

Nora And Torvald's Deception essays how does Ibsen present deception in 'A Dolls House?' Deception is one of the most important themes within A Dolls House. It brings out the plot, outlines the characters, and shows what Ibsen was trying to show us about women and society. Without deception there would be no play. Two of the most interesting things about it are the decision that the audience must make. When is deceiving someone wrong and when is it necessity? And the fact that as the audience witnesses the deception they do not realise that they are being deceived themselves. The character of Nora is the most deceptive within the play, and so it is through her character I have decided to explore Ibsens portrayal of deception. Nora lies in one way or another to all of the main characters in the play. The biggest victim of her treachery is her loving husband Torvald. Even from the start we see her lying about the most ridiculous things like how much money she spends and whether she has been eating macaroons. Then later we see her lie about the crimes that she has committed against her dead father, her family, and herself. So why is that we still see her as a sweet and innocent child. The character of Nora has many guises, which she uses in front of people to get her own way and protect herself. One of the most obvious and consistent is that of a child. The first we see of this is right at the beginning of the first act as she crosses quietly to Torvalds door after sneakily eating a few macaroons and hiding them in her pocket. This is normally portrayed in a very childish manner on stage and normally has Nora tiptoeing about the stage. Shortly after we see another example of Noras regressive qualities after she has been told off by Torvald for being a spendthrift. We know that he is right for we have just...

Sexuality Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sexuality - Term Paper Example Biology, culture and ecology influences various aspects of sexuality and intimacy in the Aka and Ngandu communities of central Africa; for instance, human beings have inborn tendencies to feel sexual desire, thus, an unconscious drive to reproduce, and to sustain the survival of their species (Hewlett Bonnie and Hewlett Barry 46). In this respect, both men and women in the Aka and Ngandu communities are biologically predisposed to express sexuality and intimate relations like all other species; culturally, the two communities idea of sexuality and intimate relations is the ability to procreate and to sustain the communities through the birth of new babies. In this respect, both men and women in Aka and Ngandu communities play specific gender roles that have been pre-determined by their sexuality; because the essence of sexuality and intimacy is to create children, men, and women couple up for procreation, and sex is not for pleasure but a night work in search of babies. However, Aka wife-husband relations are more intimate, close, giving, unlike the case for Ngandu (Hewlett Bonnie and Hewlett Barry 52); Aka husband and wife stick together in many net subsistence activities such as hunting, and fathers provide regular childcare. Whereas Aka men and women express affection by working together in close proximity, Ngandu women consider gifts from their husbands as a sign of affection and the men, the respect of their authority. Q2 There has been evidence of progressively changing attitudes towards acceptance of homosexuality in the Canadian society, with the pervasiveness of this sexual behavior in the country. In Canada, the proportion of people who support homosexuality has grown rapidly in recent years by at least ten points since 2007, especially because religion is not central in people’s lives; currently, about 80 percent of Canadians are tolerant to homosexuality compared to about 70% back in 2007. Unlike in Canada, where society is more tolerant towards homosexuality, the Aka and Ngandu communities have very negative attitudes towards this sexual practice and they remain strongly opposed to the practice. In Aka and Ngandu communities, sexuality is defined by very strict and rigid socio-cultural norms, which enforce the appropriate sexual behavior among individuals; the primary role of intimate relationships is procreation, thus, acceptable unions are those that can fulfill this societal expecta tion. However, the Canadian society is more tolerant to homosexuality, particularly because of value changes, and the collapse of conventional family structures; Canadian courts began to legalize same sex marriages back in 2003 (Matthews 841). Q3 According to MacIntosh, Reissing and Andruff (79), the removal of homosexuality from Canada’s criminal code in 1969 was a significant change in the advancement of equal rights and protection of all citizens; in 1996, discrimination of people on the basis of their

Bethany Qualls's essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bethany Qualls's essay - Assignment Example Most arguments and facts expressed in Qualls’ essay have their basis on evidence, examples, and references. Formality in academic writing is a vital aspect. An academic paper should be free of slang and informal words including contractions (Beard 474). Qualls’ essay satisfies the standards of formality in academic writings. It is free of informal words and contractions. Besides formality, clear statement of a writer’s point of view is imperative. While stating the point of view, writers avoid using second person pronouns. Instead, third person pronouns are best applicable with exceptions of instances when first person pronouns use is justified. Qualls’ essay is appropriate in expressing views using third person pronouns and, in some instance, the first person. Although Qualls’ essay conforms to the standards of a formal and well-written academic paper, there are notable points that demand improvement. In some instances, Qualls does not use direct and succinct statements. Sentences appear vague, long or complicated and, therefore, unclear. An example is the use of shortened words in Qualls’ essay. The sentence, â€Å"I wasn’t enthusiastic about his visit,† contains a shortened word. Instead of using â€Å"wasn’t,† Qualls should use â€Å"was

Hydroxyapatite as a Substrate for Bone Reconstruction

Hydroxyapatite as a Substrate for Bone Reconstruction To combat the shortcomings of autografts and allografts associated with limited availability of tissue, morbidity of the donor site, risk of disease transmission and immunogenic rejection; clinicians have started centuries ago implanting artificial materials in the body to aid and restore functioning of organs or tissues.1-6 The high incidence of morbidity, skill required to harvest bone from donor, and so many factors have been the rationale for the increase in applications of bone substitute materials.7-9 Hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics produced synthetically or by processing biological substrates and is used widely and successfully for bone reconstruction. There are many natural sources for HA which include human bone, bovine bone1,2 coral3,4 chitosan5,6fish bone7and egg shell8, and so. However a concern with natural HA is risk of transmission of diseases when proper preparation is not followed to remove all protein9. Synthetic HA is more commonly used, because of easily availability, and free from disease transmission risk. HA are available as granules and blocks with different pore sizes or as injectable material. HA is osteoconductive in nature and serves as a structural scaffold for the building of new bone tissues. Several authors have suggested HA is prone to intraoral degradation or dissolution10-25 but others have shown no resorption13-22 like our case. Here we report clinical cases which showed the radiological evidence of bone formation after more than 4 years of follow up. Clinical Report 1- In our study group the Male patient aged 65 yrs had recurrent OKC on lateral part of the mandible (Figure-1) which required partial hemi mandibulectomy with disarticulation. Patient was not ready for any other modalities of reconstruction except condylar stainless steel recon plate. Considering patient age and denial for distant or free flaps, our team of doctors inspired by orthopedic replacement strategies and indigenously designed hydroxyapatite block. Which has been prepared by Biograft (IFGL Ceramics Kolkota, India) on request. This has been used for reconstruction of lateral mandibular defect distal to canine. The block fixed to stainless steel condylar plate using 26 gauze wires. (Figure-2 Figure-3)After 5 years of evaluation the patient had no complications, absorption, dislocation but very little bone formation seen radiologically (Figure -4, Figure-5 Figure-6). Clinical Report 2- The Male Patient of 20 yrs, reported to our department with swelling in anterior mandible since 8 yrs which was small initially and progressively grown to the present size.( Figure-7) Under general anesthesia the lesion has been resected leading to a mid-line defect. The patient denied for any other reconstruction options including distant flaps and free flaps because of affordability. So it is decided to have reconstruction using SS recon plate with a block graft for support. (Figure-9) In this case we are expecting connective tissue and later bone formation as the graft block is in contact with the bony edges on both sides. Clinical report 3- Case of unicystic ameloblastoma in a patient aged 55 years male crossing the midline, undergone resection and reconstruction using BBHA and SS reconstruction plate. (Figure-9 Figure-10) In this case we are expecting bony bridging between interface of the bone fragment and graft end on both midline and ramus area of mandible. Surgical Considerations: The surgeon should change gloves before handling the BBHA material because oral flora and debris previously picked up on gloves during the pre-grafting stages of surgery could contaminate the BBHA, resulting in a subsequent infection. In its initial form, BBHA is brittle and must be handled and shaped carefully so it does not inadvertently fracture, although the material becomes very strong after healing. It is important to use irrigation when cutting the individual grafts from the larger blocks with a bur and when refining the contours. BBHA grafts can be used as interpositional (inlay) grafts placed between osteotomies or as facial augmentation (onlay) grafts or for mandibular reconstruction of lateral/midline defects. They can be applied to the maxilla, mandible, chin, orbit, zygoma, nose, forehead, and cranium. Onlay grafts may require stabilization by placing bone screws through the material, as in BBHA chin or cheek onlay grafts. A lag screw/wire technique should be used with m inimal tightening to prevent fracturing of the grafts. Rigid fixation is paramount to provide the necessary stability and stress protection for the BBHA grafts to heal properly. The grafts in the maxilla should be accurately contoured and wedged in position. If there is excessive mobility between the bone segments and BBHA grafts or a functional overload, the grafts may displace or fracture. Alternatively, a significant decrease in the amount of bone growth through the implants could occur, resulting in a nonunion. A soft diet is encouraged for 3 to 4 months during the initial post-surgery healing phase to minimize loading and micro movement, thus preventing displacement, fracture, or nonunion of the grafts. The use of 4 bone plates is recommended to stabilize the maxilla, with 2 bone screws above and 2 bone screws below the level of osteotomy for each bone plate.47,48 Postsurgical displacement or fragmentation of the BHA grafts can occur as a result of the following:38 1. Inadequate rigid fixation and stress protection, 2. Improper contouring or placement of the implant into the osteotomy site, 3. Parafunctional habits (i.e., clenching, bruxism), 4. Poor patient compliance, 5. Trauma. Discussion: The use of bone graft material both particulate12,14,16,18,19,21,38-40,54and block graft13,15,17, 19,20,22,23,41 studied in humans and animals. The majority of animal studies found bone formation within graft material10,11,18,42-51 and others reported connective tissue formation.43,52,53 The human studies reported formation of bone 12-17,29-32,37-40,54 and others reported connective tissue surrounding HA particles.18,19,29 Long-term retention biocompatibility of BHA has been established fact in orthognathic and craniofacial surgery.50 Histologic studies29,30,35 and a long-term clinical study demonstrate good biologic acceptance of the grafts in association with the maxillary sinus. The immobility of HA is crucial factor for initial healing20 as mobile particles induce connective tissue formation and immobile foster bone formation. Wolford et al. introduced the use of porous BHA as a bone graft substitute in orthognathic and craniofacial surgery.30 Rosen and Ackerman reported complication rate of 4.3% after a follow-up period of 6 to 20 months in orthognathic surgical BHA grafting48,49 Ayers et al17 Holmes et al31 and Nunes et al.16 demonstrated an average composition of 48.5-53% hydroxyapatite matrix, 18-27% bone, and 33.5-21% soft tissue in BBHA grafts through histomorphometry after 4.7 to 16.4, mean 19.1 months respectively with biopsies of BBHA grafts which were used in corrective jaw surgery in patients. The composition of the adjacent normal maxillary and mandibular bone averaged 66.5% bone and 33.5% soft tissue, indicating that the ratio of hydroxyapatite/bone to soft tissue/vascular space is equivalent to normal bone.17 The study also demonstrated that bone growth through the BBHA grafts was essentially complete in 4 months, with further progression of the healing process resulting in maturation of the ingrown bone. The grafts had less soft tissue than the adjacent bone (30% soft tissue) and bone contact over 60% of their surfaces which is a near-balance between the BBHA grafts and surrounding bone.16 There was no significant difference in micro hardness values between the bone in the BHA grafts and the adjacent maxillary bone.17 Bone ingrowth appeared to plateau at around 20 months, reaching an equilibrium in which the relative amount of osseous tissue remained constant. 17 Different theories proposed on the mechanism of bone formation. Early vascularization followed by connective tissue formation16,43,44 bone gradually inserted around the HA particles21,43,44 and non-inducing creeping substitution21,22 also proposed. Very recently the bone induction has been seen with nano-crystalline HA. The use of BBHA as an alloplastic grafting material has several advantages over other types of grafts: no donor site morbidity is involved, adjacent bone will not be resorbed, there is no known hypersensitivity or immune response, the substance is easily manipulated, there are no working time constraints, surgical time is decreased, blood loss is decreased, the volume is unlimited, and healing is faster resulting in a shorter recovery time. Interpositional bone grafting is indicated in orthognathic surgery to provide bony continuity, improve healing, improve stability, decrease surgical relapse in traditionally unfavorable jaw repositioning movements during orthognath ic surgical procedures. This type of reconstruction options will increase the survival rate and lesser morbidity. The incorporation of autogeneous bone, platelet rich plasma, rhBMP-2 showed good bone formation.50 The studies have shown hydroxyapatite is osteoinductive.51,52 Recently studies have shown use of Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), BMP, and stem cells in bone regeneration.50 The BBHA will provide structural architecture for BMP to achieve better and earlier function. These laboratory concepts were regarded a visionary a few years ago, but now they reached clinical reality.53-59 Our report is milestone in reconstruction of continuity defects of mandible. Hydroxyapatite is a versatile biocompatible graft substitute that does not cause any chronic inflammatory, allergic, or toxic reaction. Results of both densitometric and radiographic studies suggested that the use of synthetic hydroxyapatite graft material has the potential to accelerate bone formation in an economical way.60-63 Conclusion: The primary aim of the reconstruction was to have a proper face form, aesthetics and structural balance for face which has been achieved in a very economical way. Our plan to have implant supported prosthesis in the HA blocks in near future for these patients is planned. This type of reconstruction with indigenously designed and prepared block graft can suffice the aim and objective of successful reconstruction which is a viable modality economical. No clinical signs of pathosis were identified around the graft, no infection or discomfort was elicited upon palpation.

Alaska vs Florida

Alaska is different from Florida in several ways such as the time zones. In Alaska the time is four hours behind the time in Florida. Another way they are different is in the place that they are on a map. Alaska is in the North West and Florida is in the South East. These two places also differ in climate. In Alaska the climate is cold, while in Florida there is a tropical climate. Along with different climates come different temperatures.In Alaska the normal temperature in the summer is about fifty degrees Fahrenheit. In Florida the normal temperature is about ninety. In Alaska the sky has constant darkness for about three months, but in Florida there is normal daylight. Alaska is also different from Florida by the size. Alaska is larger that Florida in land mass. Florida has a greater population than Alaska, however. Alaska allows you to get your learner’s permit to drive when you turn fourteen.Florida allows you to get your learner’s permit at the age of fifteen. The last ways that these two states differ are the natural resources. In Alaska the natural resources are gold, fish, and fur. On the other hand, in Florida the natural recourses are oranges, sugar cane, seafood, cows, the ocean, and natural spring water. Although these states have many differences, they also have some similarities. Both Alaska and Florida are states in the United States.Florida and Alaska are also both peninsulas, a land that is almost completely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland. Both of these places have many fun things to do. In Alaska you can ski, ice skate, play ice hockey, snowboard, or go sledding because most of the year there is snow on the ground. In Florida you can go to the beach, go surfing, play volleyball, go to the boardwalk, or go to Disney World.

A Significant Person Essay

Significant Person Mother Teresa is one of the most admired women in the world. She dedicated every day of her adult life to caring for and loving the dying, the unwanted and the unloved. Her spirit of giving inspired many people. There were those who gave up their lives as she had to follow her and others who helped in different ways, for example, giving her the Kali Temple to be used as a home for the dying. The effect Mother Teresa had on the people she came in contact with and the world is one of the most intriguing things about her. But what was it about Mother Teresa that made people stop and listen? How did such a tiny women touch the hearts and lives of so many people? Mother Teresa’s dedication to God and the church is what I feel made her so great. Everything she did in her life was for God. One of the first instances that made me really stop for a second was Mother Teresa’s second calling. It was not the calling itself so much as how she handled herself in the following events. She was so dedicated to the church and her vows that she waited two years before she was able to be released from her vows to go off into the world to serve the poorest of the poor. She went through all the proper and necessary steps in the church to get what she believed was her calling. Mother Teresa did not leave the church for selfish reasons, nor did she just get up and leave one day. She had too much respect and devotion to the church to be able to do something like that. Mother Teresa put all her faith into God and believed that he would provide her with what she needed. All throughout her years on the streets of Calcutta, Mother Teresa never asked for money. She knew that all she needed was her faith. For me, I find that aspect of her remarkable. How someone can have so much faith that they would go out with nothing but 5 rupees amazes me. And the best part of the whole story is that God does come through and provide her with everything she needs. She called it â€Å"divine providence† because she never asked, however things like money, helpers and buildings became available to her. In her interview with Muggeridge she said, â€Å"Faith is a gift of God. Without it there would be no life. And our work, to be fruitful and to be all for God, and beautiful, has to be built on faith. † Her faith is why she always began each day with prayers, meditation and Mass. I see this as her time to be one on one with God and receive the strength she needed to serve the Lord each day. Many people go to church each week, however never truly experience God the way Mother Teresa did. She was truly able to see him in everything she did and everyone she came into contact with. While I personally would have a hard time seeing Christ in people I come into contact with, Mother Teresa did. I have never been a very religious person, but reading and learning about Mother Teresa’s life and accomplishments makes a total believer out of me that there is something greater and if we just have faith things will work out. With gods help, one small woman, in a simple white cotton sari, who did not bother with reports and theories, simply went out into the world and changed the lives of millions.